30/03/2017
Infrastructure will facilitate Internet of Things applications in agribusiness
A private mobile network and broadband, based on LTE technology optimized to operate in rural and remote areas. This is one of the main results of the AgroTICs project, which is being developed by CPqD in partnership with the São Martinho Group - one of the largest in the sugar and alcohol sector in Brazil -, with the support of BNDES and FINEP, and which should contribute to the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) concept in the agribusiness sector.
“Connectivity continues to be one of the main challenges for using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources in the field,” says Fabrício Lira Figueiredo, manager of Wireless Communication Technologies at CPqD. With the aim of overcoming this challenge, CPqD developed a mobile broadband network infrastructure (LTE) for the own – and exclusive – use of the São Martinho Group, which uses a frequency band designated for Private Limited Service (SLP) by Anatel.
The frequency used occupies a spectrum band of less than 1 GHz, which provides a larger coverage area and, therefore, is more suitable for use in rural areas. “This LTE communication network makes it possible to deploy cells with a coverage radius of tens of kilometers, providing mobility, quality of service and high transmission rates”, explains Figueiredo.
The solution developed by CPqD comprises a radio base station (eNode B) and vehicle terminals adapted to the operational requirements of sugarcane mills. These terminals, which will be installed on harvesters, tractors and trucks that transport sugarcane, are equipped with multiple interfaces: Wi-Fi (for local connectivity), CAN (used in agricultural machines for transmitting telemetry data), GPS and RFID in addition to the LTE interface. “This system will allow data to be collected in the field and sent, in real time, to databases and applications, providing increased operational efficiency and, consequently, productivity in the field”, adds the CPqD manager.
The first LTE radio base station based on this new technology is already operating, in the field test phase, at the Grupo São Martinho plant located in Pradópolis, in the interior of São Paulo. About 20 intelligent vehicle terminals (TIVs) are being installed and should start operating, on a harvest front, at the end of March, when the next sugarcane harvest begins.
Product technologies related to the LTE system, as well as the RFID sensing system – which is also part of the project developed by CPqD with the São Martinho Group - are being licensed to Trópico, a company that will be responsible for producing and marketing these equipment, in addition to providing associated services.
CPqD is an independent institution, focused on innovation in information and communication technologies (ICTs). CPqD's solutions are used by companies and institutions in Brazil and in the international market, in sectors such as communication and multimedia, utilities, finance, industries, public administration and defense and security.
“Connectivity continues to be one of the main challenges for using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources in the field,” says Fabrício Lira Figueiredo, manager of Wireless Communication Technologies at CPqD. With the aim of overcoming this challenge, CPqD developed a mobile broadband network infrastructure (LTE) for the own – and exclusive – use of the São Martinho Group, which uses a frequency band designated for Private Limited Service (SLP) by Anatel.
The frequency used occupies a spectrum band of less than 1 GHz, which provides a larger coverage area and, therefore, is more suitable for use in rural areas. “This LTE communication network makes it possible to deploy cells with a coverage radius of tens of kilometers, providing mobility, quality of service and high transmission rates”, explains Figueiredo.
The solution developed by CPqD comprises a radio base station (eNode B) and vehicle terminals adapted to the operational requirements of sugarcane mills. These terminals, which will be installed on harvesters, tractors and trucks that transport sugarcane, are equipped with multiple interfaces: Wi-Fi (for local connectivity), CAN (used in agricultural machines for transmitting telemetry data), GPS and RFID in addition to the LTE interface. “This system will allow data to be collected in the field and sent, in real time, to databases and applications, providing increased operational efficiency and, consequently, productivity in the field”, adds the CPqD manager.
The first LTE radio base station based on this new technology is already operating, in the field test phase, at the Grupo São Martinho plant located in Pradópolis, in the interior of São Paulo. About 20 intelligent vehicle terminals (TIVs) are being installed and should start operating, on a harvest front, at the end of March, when the next sugarcane harvest begins.
Product technologies related to the LTE system, as well as the RFID sensing system – which is also part of the project developed by CPqD with the São Martinho Group - are being licensed to Trópico, a company that will be responsible for producing and marketing these equipment, in addition to providing associated services.
CPqD is an independent institution, focused on innovation in information and communication technologies (ICTs). CPqD's solutions are used by companies and institutions in Brazil and in the international market, in sectors such as communication and multimedia, utilities, finance, industries, public administration and defense and security.
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